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Massive travel restrictions in Lahore and other parts of the country have severely disrupted the supply chain, triggering a sharp rise in the prices of perishable goods, especially fruits and vegetables.
Potatoes experienced a steep price hike, with soft skin A-grade varieties officially set at Rs127-135 per kilogram but selling for Rs180-200 per kilogram in markets. Similarly, B and C-grade potatoes, along with mixed-grade varieties, were sold significantly above government-fixed rates.
Onion prices also surged, with A-grade onions retailing at Rs180-200 per kilogram, far exceeding the official price range of Rs135-145 per kilogram.
Tomatoes, another essential item, faced intense inflationary pressures. A-grade tomatoes were sold at Rs300-340 per kilogram, nearly double the government-fixed price of Rs170-180 per kilogram.
The supply chain disruption also impacted prices of garlic and ginger. Local garlic, officially priced at Rs450-470 per kilogram, was sold for Rs620 per kilogram. Chinese garlic saw even greater inflation, retailing at Rs1,000 per kilogram against its official rate of Rs650-670 per kilogram.
Fruits were not spared from the crisis. Bananas, apples, and pomegranates witnessed considerable price increases. A-category bananas, officially priced at Rs115-120 per dozen, were sold at Rs160-180 per dozen. Apples, depending on the variety, reached up to Rs450 per kilogram, far above the fixed rate of Rs250 per kilogram.
